ArtEFI

ArtEFI aims to respond to the need for understanding how arts promote integration of migrant students and decrease discrimination towards these students. This is particularly relevant in a context of growing social contestation against migrants across Europe. It will be implemented in Portugal, where political discourse opposing migrants has been growing.

In Portugal, students have music classes in middle schools, but this is mostly seen as not important for students’ development and grades, although it is widely acknowledged that arts can provide an opportunity to build bridges between migrant and non-migrant people and is a way of telling stories and expressing feelings, finally helping prevent discrimination.

Teachers, students and artists will be involved in all co-creation stages, and a balanced participation of students from different backgrounds, with different languages, cultures and religions is ensured. Their participation will enable ongoing adaptations and adjustments to activities to better address the needs of students and teachers.

What is expected to be reached by this pilot action?

AWARENESS
Teachers’ and students’ awareness of the potential of arts in fostering integration and preventing discrimination will be increased through the incorporation of arts-based practices education in the school, the engagement and training of teachers and the school management bodies.

INCLUSION
By co-creating diverse methodologies with participants, the project fosters active engagement and positions them as the real actors of migrant students’ effective integration, which will ultimately promote tolerance and cultural awareness and lead to a more inclusive and engaging school environment.

TRANSFORMATIVE
The pilot contributes to a paradigm shift in education, fostering a more open approach to arts and innovative teaching methods, building a more inclusive environment, with love, care and enchantment. The successful integration strategies and methodologies positively impact the overall school community, eventually improving educational outcomes for all students.

In the assessment of the pilot, both participants and researchers will reflect on the advantages and disadvantages of the pilot and make recommendations for future use and its improvement. All the information collected will offer important insights into the potential of art to promote integration in schools, which will be incorporated in a handbook, so that it can be used in other contexts with other different target groups.